Utility Assistance / Grant Scam
A scammer offers help paying your utility bills through a 'government program' or grant, then asks for a fee or your account details up front.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are told you qualify for a utility-assistance program or energy grant that will cover part of your bill, but first you must pay an enrollment or verification fee, or hand over your utility-account and bank details. Real assistance programs do not charge fees to enroll and do not solicit you this way. Some versions also disconnect you from your real utility to 'switch' you to a fake plan.
What it usually looks like
- An offer of a utility grant or assistance program you did not seek.
- A required 'enrollment' or 'verification' fee.
- Requests for your utility account and bank details.
- Pressure to act before the program 'closes.'
Common warning signs
- A fee to receive assistance or a grant.
- Unsolicited offers via DM, text, or robocall.
- Requests for gift cards to 'hold your spot.'
- Reluctance to give a verifiable program name.
Example wording scammers use
“You've been approved for a $2,000 energy assistance grant. Pay the $75 enrollment fee to release it.”
“Government utility relief program: confirm your account and a processing fee to lower your bill.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- An upfront fee.
- Your utility and bank account details.
- Access to switch or drain your accounts.
What to do
- Never pay a fee to receive assistance or a grant.
- Contact your utility and check official programs like LIHEAP through your state.
- Do not share account details with unsolicited callers.
- Report the offer.
What to do if you already responded
- Call your utility and bank to secure your accounts.
- Contact gift-card issuers if you paid that way.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.